Meursault
Styles
Principal grape varieties
Accessory grape varieties
Terroir
Natural factors
- Appellation restricted to the single commune of Meursault, in the Côte-d'Or, south of Beaune.
- The bedrock alternates between Jurassic limestones and marls, including the "calcaire de Chassagne" (Middle Jurassic) and the Upper Jurassic marls.
- The premier cru vineyards occupy the lower slopes, on "calcaires de Chassagne" or Middle Jurassic marls, and the gravelly alluvial fans at the foot of the hillside.
- Cool oceanic climate (approx. 750 mm/year, annual mean 10.5 °C), with a foehn effect provided by the shelter of the Burgundy plateaux.
- The "Côte" is a rectilinear tectonic escarpment (~25 km NE/SW), separating the limestone plateaux to the west from the Bresse plain to the east.
Human factors
- As early as 1098, Eudes I, Duke of Burgundy, donated his vineyard to Cîteaux; the Cistercian winery retains its 12th-century vaulted cellars.
- Planting density often exceeds 9,000 vines/ha, with extended ageing; premiers crus were formally recognised in 1943 on Middle Jurassic limestones and dolomites.
Product characteristics
- Dry whites: toasty, almond-scented bouquet, a rich and supple palate, green-gold appearance, with aromas of hazelnut, honey and flint, and outstanding length.
- Rare reds: flavours of black cherry, freshness and finesse; pair well with grilled or sauced meats and can be cellared for 5 to 10 years.
Terroir / wine link
- Marly-calcareous soils with Jurassic dolomite + east-facing aspect + gentle slopes = ideal conditions for Chardonnay to express itself fully.
Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.
Dénominations géographiques complémentaires
- Meursault ou Meursault Côte de Beaune AOC
- Meursault premier cru AOC
- Meursault premier cru Blagny AOC
- Meursault premier cru Charmes AOC
- Meursault premier cru Clos des Perrières AOC
- Meursault premier cru Genevrières AOC
- Meursault premier cru La Jeunellotte AOC
- Meursault premier cru La Pièce sous le Bois AOC
- Meursault premier cru Le Porusot AOC
- Meursault premier cru Les Bouchères AOC
- Meursault premier cru Les Caillerets AOC
- Meursault premier cru Les Cras AOC
- Meursault premier cru Les Gouttes d'Or AOC
- Meursault premier cru Les Plures AOC
- Meursault premier cru Les Ravelles AOC
- Meursault premier cru Les Santenots Blancs AOC
- Meursault premier cru Les Santenots du Milieu AOC
- Meursault premier cru Perrières AOC
- Meursault premier cru Porusot AOC
- Meursault premier cru Sous Blagny AOC
- Meursault premier cru Sous le Dos d'Ane AOC